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Rasool was visibly proud and thrilled about finally getting a shot at the big leagues. After the game he spoke to IPLT20.com about what playing in the IPL means to him. He also dedicated his maiden performance to all his fans across India and the people of the state of Jammu & Kashmir.

Here are excerpts from Rasool’s exclusive interview:

What does it feel like to finally make your IPL debut?

I feel really great today. First of all, thanks to Almighty Allah, I have made it this far. It felt really nice to get an opportunity in the IPL and be able to perform at this level.

What do you have to say about your first ever IPL wicket – that of Jacques Kallis?

Jacques Kallis is definitely a legend; the best all-rounder in cricket. So, it felt really good to get his wicket. After that, I also got a caught behind shout, but unfortunately my appeal was turned down by the umpire. But that happens sometimes. However, Jacques Kallis’ wicket was something truly special for me.

When did you come to know you were going to play against KKR?

I just came to know this morning, and I was really happy and excited at the prospect of playing today (Thursday). I was training real hard for whenever I would get the chance to play for PWI. And I wanted to make sure I grabbed that chance with both hands.

Were you nervous while bowling your first ball?

Yes, the first couple of balls I was nervous. Then Yuvi Paaji (Yuvraj Singh) came over to me and helped me settle down.

While bowling, you adjusted your line for right-handers and left-handers. Was there a plan to that effect?

There was a specific plan I was going by. For left-handers, my plan was to bowl on their legs, which makes it difficult for them to play their shots freely. So, that is what I was doing.

Do you see yourself as a batting or bowling all-rounder?

Currently, I consider myself a bowling all-rounder. But when I started out, I was a batting all-rounder. However, I bat well too. But it depends on the chances I get to bat. I did get to face a few balls (against KKR), and it felt good to be out there in the middle. I will surely rise up to the batting challenge as well when I get a chance.

What is next for Parvez Rasool now that you have made your IPL debut?

Now my goal is to ensure I play well in every match I get to play. I want to do well for the team and for myself. I hope I play well enough to play for India some day.

Is this the proudest day of your life?

Yes, this is the proudest day of my life. And the whole of Jammu and Kashmir was watching today’s match and I am proud of that.

I would like to dedicate my debut performance to the entire state of Jammu & Kashmir and all the well-wishers all around India.

Bhuvi’s in-swinger is similar to mine: Praveen

Kings XI Punjabmade a few changes in their batting along the way in IPL 2013, but the bowling has remained more or less constant. Led by Praveen Kumar, they have a solid Indian core group of pace bowlers withParvinder Awanaand Manpreet Gony as the other members.With 10 wickets in 12 matches at 6.77 runs per over, Praveen has been a handy swing bowler for KXIP. After their loss to Rajasthan Royals at home, Praveen spoke to iplt20.com about his performance in the tournament.

He also spoke fondly about his young Uttar Pradesh team-mate, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has been a real find for India this season and will go with the National team to England for the Champions Trophy.

You’ve been the leading bowler of KXIP this season. How are you feeling about your rhythm?

I’m feeling good about it and really enjoying myself. It’s been 11 matches and I am pretty pleased with my performance so far. The best thing about KXIP’s bowling attack is that we’re a core group of Indian bowlers. We also have a variety with two fast bowlers and one swing bowler. Someone bowls well in the death, someone gets the early breakthroughs. We have been working hard as a group.

Being one of the consistent bowlers in IPL, what have you taken from this tournament?

I learnt the technicalities of bowling much before I started playing the IPL. But what I have learnt from this tournament is to be accurate. The margin for error is very low in this format and you pay a much higher price for waywardness here. The success in implementing this comes from playing this format regularly.

Is it difficult for a swing bowler like you to bowl at the death?

It doesn’t make a difference to me – I open the bowling and also bowl in the death and I don’t think it’s that hard. Yes, your strategy changes a lot when bowling in the end. You don’t get the swing and you have to bowl a lot of Yorkers, slower balls and slower bouncers. You also have to practice more on death bowling in T20s.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar considers you his bowling idol. What do you think of him?

He’s a very good lad. I have liked him since the day he came to our club in Victoria Bagh and since his Under-19 days. He’s a hard-worker and I truly hope he achieves much more in his career.

How do you think he will fare on the English wickets at the Champions Trophy and what advice would you give him?

I would just tell him to go enjoy himself, try different food there and work hard on his game. About bowling and batting he knows very well what to do.What do you like the most about his bowling? He’s very similar to you.

Yes, he bowls very much like me. I like his in-swinger; he bowls it just like I do. As far as improvement is concerned, he will keep learning the more he plays. He is playing for India now and the learning opportunities will be many.